(Source: https://pltfrm.com.cn)
Introduction
China’s financial services market is highly competitive, driven by fintech innovation, evolving consumer expectations, and complex regulatory frameworks. Qualitative research provides overseas brands with actionable insights to optimize product design, improve trust, and enhance customer engagement.
1. Mapping Customer Journeys
1.1 Discovery & Onboarding
Approach: Analyze how consumers learn about financial products and navigate onboarding processes.
Benefit: Identifies friction points and opportunities to simplify user experience.
1.2 Transaction & Usage Patterns
Method: Observe day-to-day usage of banking, investment, or payment platforms.
Outcome: Guides interface design and feature prioritization.
2. Trust & Relationship Building
2.1 Security Perception
Strategy: Understand user concerns regarding data privacy, security, and reliability.
Action: Implement design and communication strategies addressing these concerns.
2.2 Customer Support Expectations
Approach: Gather feedback on preferred communication channels and responsiveness.
Result: Enhances trust and long-term loyalty.
3. Product & Service Optimization
3.1 Feature Prioritization
Method: Use focus groups to evaluate product functionalities, rewards programs, or investment options.
Benefit: Ensures offerings meet user needs and stand out in a competitive market.
3.2 Iterative Launch & Feedback
Approach: Test pilot programs and collect qualitative insights to refine features.
Outcome: Reduces market entry risk and increases adoption rates.
4. Marketing & Engagement Strategies
4.1 Cultural Relevance
Technique: Align campaigns with local holidays, lifestyle practices, and digital consumption habits.
Impact: Builds relevance and emotional connection with users.
4.2 Influencer & Community Engagement
Strategy: Partner with finance bloggers, KOLs, and community leaders to provide authentic recommendations.
Outcome: Boosts credibility and drives digital engagement.
Case Study: European Digital Bank Expansion
A European digital bank used qualitative interviews and focus groups in Shanghai to understand young professionals’ priorities for mobile banking, investments, and rewards. Insights led to app redesign, tailored investment portfolios, and loyalty programs. Within six months, app adoption grew 45%, and transaction frequency doubled among targeted users.
Conclusion
Qualitative research equips overseas financial services brands with insights to design products, build trust, and engage effectively with Chinese consumers. Applying these strategies ensures market alignment, higher adoption, and long-term growth.
PLTFRM is an international brand consulting agency that works with companies such as Red, TikTok, Tmall, Baidu, and other well-known Chinese internet e-commerce platforms. We have been working with Chile Cherries for many years, reaching Chinese consumers in depth through different platforms and realizing that Chile Cherries’ exports in China account for 97% of the total exports in Asia. Contact us, and we will help you find the best China e-commerce platform for you. Search PLTFRM for a free consultation!
info@pltfrm.cn
www.pltfrm.cn
